FI111895B - Method and apparatus for calculation - Google Patents

Description

111895

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALCULATION FÖRFARANDE OCH ANORDNING FÖR CALCULATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for calculating a value of a first currency amount (s) in terms of a desired second currency, and more particularly to a method for obtaining a price in a second currency by means of a mobile station. The invention further relates to a device and an arrangement implementing the inventive method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common problem for tourists while abroad is that they should be able to estimate and / or lower prices in their home currency, which they are more accustomed to. To make this possible, various exchange rate formulas or tables and corresponding simple mechanical tools and electronic calculators, even programmable ones, are known.

However, these have a few drawbacks. Tables and the like «· · '·. tend to become obsolete very quickly due to fluctuations /; · Exchange rates. The same holds true for calculators with pre-programmed exchange rates stored in their storage media. A further problem is that the traveler has to carry a table, chart or calculator which is:. means one additional thing to keep in mind and take care of.

: V Due to the increasing and increasing popularity of mobile phones, tourists, and especially those who travel for business, also • · ·. . mobile station with them while abroad, as * * * '' the same home mobile phone or station can be used abroad 2 111895. Analog and digital cellular telephones, cellular networks, and related equipment and accessories are well known to those skilled in the art and are not further described herein. Throughout this specification, the term "network" is taken to mean all the equipment necessary to operate a network and is thus intended to include, inter alia, operators, exchanges, exchanges, base stations and the like. The term 'home network' refers to the network in which the user is a subscriber. The term 'local network' refers to the network the user is currently in and can be either a home network or a foreign network.

ETSI Publication GSM 02.86 (ETS 300 519: European Digital Telecommunication System (Phase 2); Advice of Charge (AoC) Supplementary Services - Stage 1), December 1995, presents 'Advice of Charge' (AoC) (Payment Guidance) the basic principles and features of the Service and is incorporated herein by reference.

The said AoC service provides the subscriber with information indicating the estimated cost of the call or service used, i.e., the cost of all available telecommunication services; use of information services. The AoC service is ordered from a service provider, such as the home network operator, which activates the * I mentioned AoC service.

* «· · '··· * Users find this service useful' when estimating the real cost of using a mobile phone. Costs are always expressed: in home units, the value of which is determined and published by the HPLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network), independently of the LPLMN (Local Public Land Mobile Network;

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·; · 'Network) where the cost came from either the direction of the call ·: ··: or the type of call containing additional services and data cells.

In other words, this service cannot perform any calculations between different currencies.

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Second ETSI publication GSM 02.24 (ETS 300 510: European digital telecommunications system (Phase 2); Description of Charge Advise Information (CAI), August 1995, and ETSI publication GSM

04.86 (ETS 300 570: European Digital Telecommunication System (Phase 2); Advice of Charge (AoC) Supplementary Services -Stage 3), November 1994, provides a 'Charge Advice Information' (CAI) service. These disclosures are also incorporated herein by reference.

The CAI service provides a number of additional features to AoC, such as more accurate call and cost information. Necessary CAI information is supplied to the mobile phone or mobile station at the time of billing on a per call basis within the signaling message via the radio interface. The mobile phone uses CAI information to calculate the AoC value for the call in question. Thus, not only does the signaling CAI generate billing information, but it also indicates the time of billing and thus begins the billing duration * timing. According to the presentation, the information sent to the mobile phone consists of seven elements, as shown in the following table:, ···. Table 1 i *

Element_Dimension_Description ;;; * el u / d units / interval • '' e2 t / i seconds / time interval e3 - scaling factor '' ·· e4 u unit increment e5 u / d units / data interval .. '• t e6 seg / d segments / data interval c · e7 t / i initial seconds and / time interval I · * ·

From the foregoing, element e3 determines a scaling factor for conversions from LPLMNs to HPLMNs, said element e3 being dimensionless times. e3 11 ^ pcp: ί! · <·. -J 4 is set according to LPLMNm variables and the relevant HPLMN. If the LPLMN is an HPLMN, that is, the cellular telephone is in a home network, e3 is simplified to a uniform one. The CAI e3 element allows the mobile phone to calculate the cost of the call in the currency chosen by the subscriber. The presentation also defines a PUCT (Price Per Unit and Currency Table), which is the value of the home unit in the currency chosen by the subscriber and is stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of the mobile phone. The subscriber may set the currency value corresponding to the home unit value differently to PUCTr relative to the value published by the HPLMN to cover additional costs. Currency indication is part of PUCT.

However, the above services do not provide any assistance in terms of prices or costs other than those incurred when making a call or using other services provided by a mobile station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a new type of solution; ·; * for conversions between different currencies.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a method and an arrangement for converting between different currencies using a mobile phone.

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It is also an object of the invention to provide a method and an arrangement for performing calculations using updated exchange rates.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and arrangement for providing the mobile phone user with information on the latest exchange rates.

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Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved by providing a method for calculating the value of an amount in a first currency in terms of a desired second currency. Said method comprising the steps of assigning a value in a first currency to receiver control means, retrieving a scaling factor from said receiver memory means, said scaling factor describing a conversion between at least two different PLMNs, converting said amount in a first currency to said amount in said second currency; using said scaling factor for conversion, and informing the user of the conversion result via the receiver user interface.

The mobile station according to the invention comprises control means, memory means for storing a scaling factor which describes a conversion ratio between at least two PLMNs, means for providing an amount in a first currency to said control means, said control means being adapted to retrieve memory of said scaling factor. means for converting said amount in said first currency into an equal amount in a desired second currency by said scaling factor, and a user interface ;;;; operatively connected to said control means and arranged to provide the user with appropriate information.

tl ·! According to the invention, the arrangement in public mobile network (PLMN), wherein at least one mobile station is a subscriber, * * comprises means for generating, storing and transmitting a scaling factor, said mobile station including means in a first currency: receiving a given amount and control means operably associated therewith, said control means 6111895 being adapted to convert the amount in the first currency into an equal amount in the second currency using said scaling factor in the conversion, and user interface means for informing the user of the results of said conversion.

The invention provides several advantages. The solution provides a simple, reliable and software-controlled way to calculate prices in different currencies. The invention frees the traveler from carrying separate means for calculating prices in different currencies. In addition, the user is provided with the opportunity to take advantage of updated exchange rates.

In the following, the invention and other objects and advantages thereof will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals in the various figures refer to like features. It should be noted that the following description of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms set forth herein, but is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and variations contained in: ··; spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended 'j'. claims.

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* · BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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Figures 1a and Ib are schematic representations of possible displays for mobile phones according to the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the invention.

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• V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1a and b show a schematic representation of a mobile phone '*' 1 containing a housing 2, a display 3, control keys or i!! T '·: key means 4 and an antenna 5. For clarity, mobile phone 1 is essential. internal components such as circuit boards containing software-based control means such as a central processing unit (CPU), as well as storage media such as ROM or RAM or built-in internal memory or SIM card memory and I / O media (Input). / Output Devices) for the above, not shown. All of these cellular phone components are known per se to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not described in further detail herein.

The inventive telephone of Figures 1a and b comprises a special menu option "EXCHANGE RATE CALCULATOR" shown in Fig. 1a. The user (not shown) has keyed in an exemplary amount of DEM 1000 using the keys 4, and the screen 3 asks for confirmation of the amount, i.e. the press of the enter key. It should be noted that this key could be any suitable key, such as a "OK", "YES", etc. key known to a person skilled in the art. In addition, other means, such as voice recognition or a touch screen, could be used to provide a sum. Because the mobile phone is already informed of the network being used (see Figure 2) and the country in which it is being used, it can automatically assume the currency used in this particular country.

As can be easily seen in Figure Ib, the display 3) then displays the same amount in another currency, for example, the user's own currency. The conversion is performed by the mobile phone software, whereby the software utilizes a scaling factor (element e3 of the CAI service described above) which multiplies the given amount to obtain the same amount in the home units.

I Ϊ * *! i: Said element e3 is a dimensionless coefficient and specifies a% ./· scaling factor that can be used to convert from local PLMNs to home PLMNs. Currently, their h * value range is set to be 0 to 81.91, with a resolution of 0.01. However, these values may change and thus may differ from the above values.

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As explained, e3 is one of the CAI elements, which in turn is defined in the center analysis tree. The scaling factor, e3 element, is obtained from this analysis tree.

The following commands can be used to utilize the invention to handle the AoC analysis tree in the Center: MGCCI: Mobile Calls, Billing Currency Tutorial, Start MGCCE: Mobile Calls, Billing Currency Tutorial, End MGCCC: Mobile Calls, Billing Currency Tutorial, Other MGCCP: the element for converting local PLMNs to homePLMNs is determined from the above commands by the MGCCI command. If e3 is equal to l, there will be no conversion since there is no difference in exchange rates between the two currencies in question.

Thus, the exchange rate calculator of the invention utilizes Supplementary Service (SS) implementations for the mobile subscriber (MS) and desired changes to existing hardware and software for cellular networks are readily accomplished by one skilled in the art. t · ;;; after reading this explanation of the invention.

Note that the format, text and / or messages of the display 3 are not limited to those shown in Figures la and b, but may * * * be of any suitable form and are merely: · * ·. examples which are given to facilitate the understanding of the invention and not to limit its scope.

It should also be noted that although the mobile station is shown as' mobile phone 1, many other types of portable 9111895 units can be readily utilized in connection with the invention. For example, the mobile unit may be in the form of a simple receiver adapted to receive scaling factor e3, and is thus able to perform the desired calculations between different currencies.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle including the mobile unit 1 crosses the boundary line 9 which substantially corresponds to the area of the local operator and thus enters the local operator network controlled by the switching means 7. The mobile unit 1 informs the local operator, i.e. the means 7, of its arrival by transmitting a signal 11 to the 8 through. The HLR (Home Location Register) or VRL (Visitor Location Register) or functionally equivalent section 7 of the exchange registers all: new cellular units entering the network, either due to roaming or switching on a cellphone already in the network and / or communicate at this point with the home operator of the mobile unit 1 to obtain any additional information that may be required.

•; ·. At this point, the scaling factor e3 (or even multiple scaling factors ···) is transmitted to the mobile unit 1 along with other CAI information elements (el-e7) by signal 13, as described above. The scaling factor element (s) * · e3 are then stored in the memory means of the mobile unit, ♦ · '· * * such as SIM card or fixed memory or random memory means for use by control means or software, as described above in Figs. bi · «i · - in connection.

To perform the foregoing, the local PLMN analyzes the IMSI * “(International Mobile Subscriber Indentity), which comprises a mobile station: a user MCC (Mobile Country Code; mobile country code: 10 111895 3 characters), an MNC (Mobile Network Code) ; Mobile network code: 1-2 characters) and MSIN (Mobile Subscriber

Identification Number; Mobile Subscriber Identification Number) in the PLMN where the user is located at that particular time so that he or she can send said special area said scaling factor e3 to a mobile phone for storage on its storage media.

The scaling factor can be imported to a mobile phone the first time a user enters this particular currency area using his or her phone. According to one alternative, the scaling factor is sent to the phone as soon as a new foreign mobile phone has arrived in the area and is detected by the local network.

It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the network includes all necessary hardware and functions not described in more detail herein. The network includes devices such as the exchange (s), the exchange (s), the exchange (s), the base station (s), etc., and the operator (s) operating the network. In this context, the term network may also be understood as a combination of several local networks: ·: a combination, since the arrangement may consist of a single network 'j *; or always from a few networks, or from the numerous networks that make up the global system.

Other alternative alternatives may also be provided by the invention ;;; displays and / or services as set forth above and explained '' '. For example, a user may want to know the latest exchange rates. To do this, he selects the t ·: '·· menu option "exchange rate", after which the display shows »·: the last updated course. The display may also display, simultaneously or in a predetermined order, all information related to the conversions, such as the scaling factor used, the currency code corresponding to the first currency selected, i.e. the currency entered by the user into the phone, and currency and the code for that other currency.

According to one embodiment, the arrangement according to the invention includes an automatic update feature according to which the e3 element is updated, for example, once in a given time period, such as once a day, or when exchange rates change above predetermined limits for allowed changes. This may be arranged such that the telephone unit is adapted to request an update after a predetermined period of time, or that the network means includes control means which automatically provide the mobile phone (s) with the necessary update information.

According to one option, the user can request an exchange rate update by selecting the menu option "update exchange rate". In this case, the phone transmits a signal to the exchange via the base station requesting an update of the CAI information element e3, which information would be sent back to the mobile phone. In one embodiment, the phone makes a short call to a specific predefined home network or any other predefined network telephone number, during which the updated value for the e3 element is sent back to the phone. This particular number may be stored in the memory of the phone as a MENU option, such as a speed dial number, or may be entered by the user each time he or she wishes to update.

The mobile phone or network control devices can even be programmed to track changes in exchange rates, and can be equipped with a function that shows changes on the screen, for example, within the last 24 hours, within seven days, etc.

: · * The phone can also be configured to alert you if there are changes in courses that exceed a predefined "threshold" for acceptable exchange rate fluctuations.

The invention thus provides an apparatus and method for achieving a significant improvement in the field of exchange rate calculation and price valuation in different currencies. It should be noted, however, that the above examples of embodiments of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

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Claims (18)

A method for calculating a value in a first currency in terms of a desired second currency, wherein the value in a first currency is provided to the receiver control means, converting said first currency amount to said second currency amount by said control means and informing the user of the conversion result the method comprising the steps of: storing at least two scaling factors representing a conversion between different PLMNs in the receiver memory means, retrieving said scaling factor from the receiver memory means, and converting said first currency amount to an amount in said second currency using said scaling factor. t Method according to claim 1, characterized; That the conversion step contains said first; multiplying the amount of the currency by said scaling factor to obtain said amount in terms of said other currency. • A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises the step of transmitting said '·' 'scaling factor from the local PLMN to the mobile station. The method according to claim 3, characterized; sending said scaling factor to said mobile device as part of a "payment guidance" service (AoC). 1 ·· Method according to claim 4, characterized in that said scaling factor is included in one element (e3) of the seven information elements (e1-e7) of the 'payment guidance information' service (CAI). 14 111895 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scaling factor is automatically updated by an update service provided by at least one of the PLMNs. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the user requests an update of said scaling factor either by selecting the appropriate SPACE option for the request or by making a telephone call to a predetermined telephone number adapted to provide update information in response to said call. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the scaling factor is updated when the first telephone call is made in the area of the local PLMN after the mobile station has entered said area. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first currency is provided to the control means of the mobile station through the key means of the mobile station or the voice recognition means or: Γ: touch screen means. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said local * 1 t !! The PLMN analyzes the IMSI of the mobile station to obtain the required information, such as MCC, MNC, and MSIN codes, to enable it to send the correct scaling factor to said mobile station. »I 1 • · I A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first '·' currency is the currency of the country or region in which the mobile station: 1 · 1 is currently connected to a local PLMN. • · 15 111895 A mobile station comprising control means, memory means, means for providing an amount in a first currency to said control means, and a user interface operatively connected to said control means and arranged to provide the user with appropriate information, characterized in that the memory means is adapted to store at least two different PLMNs. a conversion ratio scaling factor, and said control means are adapted to retrieve said scaling factor from memory means and convert said sum in a first currency to an equal amount in said second currency by said scaling factor. The mobile station of claim 12, characterized in that said control means are arranged to multiply said amount in said first currency by said scaling factor to obtain a response in said second currency. 13 111895 A mobile station according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises means. to receive said scaling factor from a local. ·. PLMN and for deposit. A mobile station according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said user interface is a display of a mobile station. 1 2 An arrangement in a public mobile network (PLMN) in which at least one mobile station is a subscriber, characterized by:, ·. comprising means for generating, storing, and transmitting a scaling factor to said mobile station, said mobile station including means for receiving a sum provided in a first: f <<: currency and operably associated control means, said control means 111P 9 R 16 being adapted converting the amount provided in the first currency into an equal amount in the second currency using said scaling factor in the conversion, and user interface means for informing the user of the results of said conversion. An arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that said scaling factor is included in one element (e3) of the seven elements (el-e7) of the 'payment guidance information' service (CAI) and is sent to said mobile station as part of the 'payment guidance service' (AoC). ). An arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said scaling factor is updated by an update service provided by at least one of the PLMNs involved in the arrangement. »I 1 t ·, t · k 1 · · 1» · 1 17 111895